JAMES PERCH WINS PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR

There have been so many players this season to have put in great performances."

James Perch

Defender James Perch is the overwhelming winner of the Players’ Player of the season vote, announced at the Wigan Athletic Player of The Season Dinner tonight at the DW Stadium.

The versatile defender has operated at right-back, right wing-back centre-half, left back and in midfield this season and been a virtual ever-present of a season that enters its 61st game next week for the Championship Play-Offs.

He only scored the one goal, but what a goal it was, the winner in the FA Cup Quarter final to defeat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Signed from Newcastle United last summer, Nottingham born Perch has been incredibly consistent throughout the marathon of this season and his achievements have been recognised by his fellow pros.

Gary Caldwell said: “Perchy’s been magnificent, every week he scores at least a7 out of 10, and when we’ve had the number of games we’ve had this season, that’s remarkable. This season has been a real team effort but there has to be a winner and he’s definitely a worthy one.”

Perch said: “This is a big honour. To be voted by my team mates means a lot, especially when there have been so many players this season to have put in great performances, week after week. We need another big effort from the boys in the next two weeks and then hopefully achieve what we all want.”

Perch gained over half the votes of the first team squad, James McArthur was second, followed by joint third Emmerson Boyce and Jordi Gomez.